t.p TUBE art

I pre-chopped TONS of recycled t.p. tubes (thanks to all of the devoted recyclers in our community!) for this project during recycled art month in the art room. Then, the second graders arranged and rearranged the tube pieces into arrangements on mat boards. The second graders dipped one side of the ring into art paste and then attached it to the board. Next class period, they painted. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy.

Chin Colle Lanterns

Inspired by traditional Chinese lanterns, the fourth graders created four panels using the chin colle technique of layering thin (tissue) paper. After they completed all of their panels the strong them together into a cube form, then added the strings to hang it. We lined the halls with the fourth grade lanterns creations- they were a highlight of family arts night! A few hints for this project: Create a template for students to use to punch the holes evenly on each panel edge. Demonstrate how to string the panels together back to back by tying the string at the top of two panels back to back and then begin wrapping the strings through the hole and around the outside, through the hole and around the outside...continue! This is much faster than stringing them together flat on the table top side by side.

Chihuly inspired 2nd Graders

Inspired by Chihuly, the 2nd graders created an interpretation of his blown glass work from coffee filters, washable markers and spray starch. They then mounted their sculptures and I hung them from the ceiling. Next, we looked at Chihuly's, 'Niijima Floats' series of drawings, discussing the abstract and experimental nature of they offer. Check them out here: niijima floats Next, they used chalk pastels and drew from their sculptures that were hung above their tables, pulling colors, patterns, and textures from their own work as well as the work of their peers. They have the option of adding tempera paint (object printing, brushed, splattered, marble rolling) liquid glitter & dry glitter.

mixed media student example, inspired by Chihuly's, 'Niijima Floats' series

coffee filter "blown glass" sculptures

Mounted on construction paper and hung from the ceiling around the room

metallic paint station

A student working on her chalk pastel drawing

student examples

Warm & Cool

Warm and Cool collage/paintings by the kindergartners. Objectives of this lesson: Develop a solid understanding of the warm and cool color families (ability to create a work of art using only one family) ability to make connections between colors & our environment and ability to tear shapes of paper with control...we're still working on this fine motor skill :)

The Lion and The Rat

Inspired by another wonderful Brian Wildsmith story, The Lion and The Rat, kindergartners created lions for Family Arts Night at Swallow. 3rd and 4th grade students helped design and hang a jungle mural to display their work. I found a great children's book review blog, check it out here: http://theartofchildrenspicturebooks.blogspot.com/  and Brian Wildsmith's website: http://www.brianwildsmith.com/

Self Portraits -4th Grade

Oil pastel self portraits by the 4th graders, created using the gridding technique. photo 8 x 10, drawing 16 x 20. Great job guys and gals!

Creole Cottages

Popsicle sticks, toothpicks, cardboard, pom poms, pipe cleaners, tag board templates (to create 4 walls) scrap tag board to create architectural design elements & yard elements. We looked closely at New Orleans creole cottages for inspiration. My students really enjoyed this project--we set up a series of these homes for Family Arts Night in rows similar to the streets of the French Quarter!